• Mitchell Owen powered Washington Freedom to a thrilling victory over MI New York.

  • His breathtaking innings provided the impetus that Washington Freedom desperately needed.

MLC 2025: Mitchell Owen propells Washington Freedom to thrilling win over MI New York
Mitchell Owen (PC: X.com)

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In a contest that went down to the wire, Washington Freedom delivered a stellar performance to defeat MI New York by two wickets in Match 11 of the Major League Cricket (MLC) 2025. The high-octane clash at the Grand Prairie Stadium saw a dramatic chase unfold, culminating in Washington Freedom overhauling MI New York’s imposing total of 188 with just four balls remaining, thanks to a remarkable display of power-hitting and strategic batting.

MI New York sets formidable target driven by Quinton de Kock and Michael Bracewell

After the coin toss favoured Washington Freedom, who elected to bowl first, MI New York took to the crease with intent. Their innings was anchored by a magnificent half-century from opening batsman Quinton De Kock, whose aggressive 55 runs came off just 34 balls, studded with 7 fours and 2 sixes, providing a strong foundation.

Monank Patel contributed a brisk 32 runs from 20 deliveries, including 5 boundaries, ensuring a rapid start to the innings. Despite a slightly slower but steady 33 from 30 balls by Nicholas Pooran, who managed 2 fours and a six, the middle overs saw a slight dip in the scoring rate. However, the innings received a vital late acceleration from Michael Bracewell, who smashed an unbeaten 42 runs off only 24 balls, hitting 5 fours and a crucial six, propelling MI New York to a commanding total of 188 for 4 in their 20 overs.

Kieron Pollard added 9 runs, while Heath Richards chipped in with 4 towards the end. For Washington Freedom, the bowling efforts were led by Mitchell Owen, Glenn Maxwell and Ian Holland, who each managed to claim a solitary wicket, keeping their opponents from running away entirely despite the high score. Saurabh Netravalkar (0/30) and Mark Adair (0/37) were economical but wicketless.

Mitchell Owen’s explosive batting powers Washington Freedom’s gritty chase

Chasing 189 for victory, Washington Freedom’s response was nothing short of electrifying, spearheaded by an exceptional performance from Player of the Match, Mitchell Owen. Owen unleashed a devastating assault on the MI New York bowlers, blasting 60 runs from a mere 26 deliveries, adorned with 5 fours and 5 colossal sixes. His breathtaking innings provided the impetus that Washington Freedom desperately needed, significantly boosting their run rate early on.

Also WATCH: Trent Boult’s over-the-top appeal sparks laughter during MI New York vs Seattle Orcas clash in MLC 2025

Despite Owen’s heroics, MI New York fought back with regular breakthroughs. Trent Boult (2/38), Naveen ul Haq (2/28), and Sunny Patel (2/37) each picked up two crucial wickets, consistently threatening to derail Washington Freedom’s chase. After the early onslaught, Rachin Ravindra contributed 10 off 6 balls and Andries Gous added 14 off 10, before Mark Chapman took charge. Chapman played a masterful unbeaten innings of 45 runs from 32 balls, guiding his team through the middle and death overs with a mix of calculated risks and sensible batting. Jack Edwards’ 30 off 23 balls and Glenn Maxwell’s quickfire 16 off just 5 balls (1 four, 2 sixes) were also pivotal in keeping the momentum alive. The match remained finely poised until the very last over, but Washington Freedom held their nerve, reaching the target of 189 for 8 in 19.2 overs, securing a memorable two-wicket win.

Also READ: MLC 2025 – Faf du Plessis’ century in vain as San Francisco Unicorns beat Texas Super Kings in a high scoring encounter

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ANIRUDH SINGH
Anirudh is the Head of Content at CricketTimes.com. He is a seasoned journalist and content writer with 12 years of experience in the field of cricket. With over 9,000 published articles under his belt, Anirudh brings a creative and strategic approach to his work, always striving to deliver content that resonates with audiences. A die-hard sports fan who loves playing, watching and talking about cricket. Cricket is his Religion & 'Sachin Tendulkar' his GOD. His motto of life is Eat, Sleep, Cricket, REPEAT!! You can write to him at anirudh@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.